Horw: Moorland, Peninsula and Local History

Horw combines a glacially shaped landscape with the Steinibachried, trails across the peninsula and local cultural themes. When planning a stay, there is more than one way to get to know the area: you can hike, explore the canoe route around the peninsula, or learn about the landscape and local history.

Moorland and Views

The repeated advances and retreats of the Reuss and Aare-Brünig glaciers shaped the landscape of Horw. Its landforms include smoothed roche moutonnées, such as those in Längacherwald, and erratic boulders made of rock from elsewhere. The Steinibachried is protected as a fen and an amphibian spawning area of national importance. At 8.4 hectares, it is the largest fen on Lake Lucerne.

On the slopes of Mount Pilatus lies Buholzerschwändi, with a raised bog at around 1,000 metres above sea level. This excursion destination, known to many Horw residents as «Buzi», offers a spring-water fountain, a fire pit and views across the Lucerne countryside, the city of Lucerne, the Horw peninsula and Lake Lucerne, extending to the mountains of Schwyz, Uri and Unterwalden. From there, other trails on the slopes of Mount Pilatus lead to places including Krienseregg and Fräkmüntegg. The Oberrüti viewpoint in the municipality of Horw can be reached via a marked forest trail.

On Foot Through Winkel and Along the Steinibach

The «Scenic Peninsula» hike is 5.7 kilometres long and takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. It is easy, suitable for families and accessible year-round. From Horw railway station, the route passes through the built-up area, over Grämliswald and Dickiwald to Winkel, then follows the Steinibach back to the station. At Winkel, the route offers the opportunity to swim in the lake.

Winkel is a historic district between the hillside, Steinibachried and the lake. Efforts are made to preserve its character-defining buildings wherever possible. So the hike can be seen as more than a route through forest and built-up areas: it also takes you into a district whose character is linked to the surrounding landscape. Along the way, you will pass the Chnolligen farm shop, which offers a wide selection of its own products.

Experience the Peninsula from the Water, Too

The «Horw–Lucerne» canoe route starts in Horw and runs for 8.04 kilometres around the Horw peninsula, past Kastanienbaum and on to Lucerne. The launch point is at the slipway next to the Seehotel Sternen in Winkel. At the Horw end, Seewen serves as a rest and swimming area. The pebble beaches there are suitable for landing, and public toilets are also available. Krämerstein bathing area is about 600 metres past the Kastanienbaum boat station and has toilet facilities.

Local History and Culture

Construction of the Empire-style Horw parish church began in 1813; it was consecrated by a bishop. With its White Hall, the Kulturmühle Horw provides a venue for medium-sized events in music, theatre, cabaret, literature and film. The Samichlaus tradition also shapes local life: it is organised by the «Horwer Samichlaus» association, has been going for decades and includes visits to families at home on request.

Leisure and Planning Your Visit

Felmis mini golf offers a course for families, friends and clubs; table tennis is also available. Ice cream, drinks and snacks are sold at the kiosk. The facility is open seasonally, and offerings may change. Check the latest information about the facility before visiting.

Seebad Horw can be reached from Lucerne railway station by taking bus B20 to Horw, Seefeld, followed by a 300-metre walk. Check the route before travelling. There are beach volleyball courts at Seebad, some of which are occupied by the volleyball club. Take this restriction into account when planning to use the courts.

Discover more destinations: Kastanienbaum, Meierskappel, Adligenswil, Root, Vitznau, Dierikon, Schachen, Gisikon.

Return to the main travel overview: Lucerne.